The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Nanama Keita
16 August 2007
Abidjan — Niger beat the host Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 to win the third place playoff in a fiery encounter played last night at Stade de Robert Champroux in Abidjan.
It was an unconvincing win for Niger, who failed to win a single match in their three group matches in the round robin tournament.
Buoyed by thousands of home crowd, including the President of The Republic, Lauren Gbagbo , the host were the better side in both intervals, creating most of the scoring chances.
However, their frantic effort bore no fruit as Abdoulie Ousmane's 60th minute brace separated the two sides towards the regulation.
The home crowd reacted to the narrow defeat by booing the Young Elephants who earlier had a bright start to the quadrangular Championship that was staged as part of activities marking the 47th Independence Anniversary of the former French colony.
Niger's Fredrick Acosta said the victory was a revenge for his side. "They beat us 1-0 in our group meeting and we know it was a payback time and I am happy that we have made it happened. I respect the Ivorian side. They have skilful players particularly at the upfront. But we were always determine not be beaten twice in the same competition by working tirelessly to rectify every mistake."
Acosta's Ivorian counterpart could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Cote d'Ivoire have consoled themselves with the best player title. Forward player Seri Jean Micheal received a coveted trophy after being voted as the Best Player of The Tournament.
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